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Gratitude for Our Spiritual Fathers on Father's Day

Thank you for being great examples of fatherhood.

Flora Nguyen

Sep 09, 2024

Loyola University- New Orleans

11420

Photo by Julia Michelle on Unsplash

Dear Spiritual Fathers,

"I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one." (I John 2:13)

On Father's Day we think about all Dads, whether it be a biological dad, uncle, grandfather, godfather or stepfather. But how can we forget about our spiritual fathers? Priests/deacons/religious brothers make a huge impact in the lives of so many they encounter or serve.

photo of priest and other church members Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

Thank you for being an earthly example of what God's love is like. I can barely take care of myself, but you have to care for the congregation, perform daily duties with a busy schedule as well as care for your own health. I hope you know that we are forever grateful for all that you do for us. For those of us who do not have a good relationship with our own fathers, it brings us hope when we are shown what fatherhood is supposed to be like whether it be through the Gospel, the sacraments or just by your example.

I know that I wouldn't be the person I am today without that "super" priest that continues to encourage me to be a better and holy person. He is filled with so much energy and love that I find myself in awe (and very often, in tears.) You may not realize it but you have this effect on many of us. We are overwhelmed by what life throws at us but you always lead us to God. By just being present in person or on social media, it allows us to feel happy and secure. The energy you put towards the Church, we put in our faith.

a man in a priest's outfit Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash

Thank you for laying down your life for Christ and the Church. Thank you for making quirky jokes during the homilies. Thank you for being at the hospitals, jails, burial sites, confessionals, schools, retreats and community events. Thank you for being an example for young men as they discern the priesthood. Thank you for wiping our tears when we aren't the best people and celebrating when two families merge into one. Thank you for wearing your roman collar under your Superman t-shirt as you smile for a selfie.

When the days are hectic, I hope you see that your job is amazing. I mean you have hundreds of spiritual children to watch over! We look up to you for spiritual guidance and unconditional love when times are good and bad. It is beautiful how Christ works through you. Thank you for being a servant leader for a community that really needs it. Just know that we pray for you almost as much as you pray for us.

Thank you for answering your call to this vocation.

With love,

Your Daughter/Son in Christ

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Gratitude for Our Spiritual Fathers on Father's Day

Thank you for being great examples of fatherhood.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

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